Change of practice to antibiotic impregnated catheters and large study published showing their efficacy. Made topical antibiotics obselete.

The purpose of the study is to determine if the overall central venous catheter related infection rate can be reduced by the application of Polysporin Triple Therapy ointment to the insertion site.

Previous studies in the dialysis population have found a reduction in local and system central venous catheter related infections with the application of topical antibiotics to the insertion point. One such study found a mortality benefit with Polysporin Triple Therapy ointment. We intend to determine if this preparation can reduce overall line infection rates in the ICU environment through its application at the time of line insertion and twice more the following week.

Inclusion Criteria:

• all patients admitted to the ICU requiring a central venous catheter

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous line infection during same ICU stay
• CVC for hemodialysis